Section of MPs condemn arrest of Marsabit colleagues over clashes

The eight legislators from Northern Kenya led by Bura MP Ali Wario accused the security officials of derailing peace process in the county, and called on the government to support the process of bringing the two warring communities together/CFM NEWS

NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct, 22- A section of legislators have condemned the arrest of North Horr MP Chachu Ganya and his Saku counterpart Ali Rasso over Marsabit clashes saying their arrest will affect the ongoing peace process in the county.

The eight legislators from Northern Kenya led by Bura MP Ali Wario accused the security officials of derailing peace process in the county, and called on the government to support the process of bringing the two warring communities together.

“We have already started a peace agreement process and this arrest has come at the wrong time. Where was the government at when the clashes began? What we want to say is that we condemn the arrest of those leaders. This is a reflection of failure by security officials to protect our people and they now want to cover up that failure,” Wario protested.

Isiolo Woman Representative Rehema Jaldesa defended the MPs, saying they are not to blame for the clashes that have left 14 people dead.

“These leaders are among the members who have been meeting to deliberate on how to bring peace in Marsabit. We ask for their immediate release because they are not behind the clashes and their arrest might worsen the situation,” she said.

Nominated Senator Naomi Wako called on the government to intervene and ensure students from that area are not affected even as they prepare for their examination.

The two lawmakers who are accused of incitement and sponsoring war activities that led to clashes were arrested Monday morning in Marsabit and taken to Directorate of Criminal Investigation for questioning.

Last week, Marsabit Governor Ali Mohamed and the two MPs were separately interrogated by DCI officers in Embu led by Eastern Region Director of Criminal Investigation John Gacomo.